ABSOLUTELY NOT! Some people can make their joints “pop” or “crack”, but that is not a chiropractic adjustment. It can even feel good when we hear a joint “pop”; however, self-mobilizing a joint will weaken muscles and ligaments surrounding the vertebral joint creating instability within the function of the spine. Worse, the vertebral joint that actually needs to be treated is not the one that moves when we hear the “pop”. This in return creates hyper-mobility above and below the actual affected vertebral joint. A person then feels the need to continue to make their joint “pop”. In the end, the initial problem is not getting any better; it is in reality getting worse.
The nervous system that is protected by the spinal column is the part of the human body affected by this vicious cycle being created. The nerves control every aspect of your health. If these nerves are affected, a person can suffer of pain symptoms and decreased function of the body, both physically and physiologically. Chiropractic adjustments are specific and takes years of studying and experience to master. Even your chiropractic doctor needs to be treated by a colleague to benefit from chiropractic care. In the future, consult a chiropractor to get a professional evaluation of your spine instead of creating havoc for yourself, even if making your joint “pop” gives temporary relief.
Dr Jean-Luc LeBlanc, chiropractor